Ahead of World Parkinson’s Day on 11th April, Epping Forest MP Dr Neil Hudson recently teamed up with Parkinson’s UK, and those living with Parkinson’s at a special Parliamentary event, to promote better diagnosis and care for those living with the condition.
In the UK, around 166,000 people live with Parkinson’s, and someone is newly diagnosed every 20 minutes, but difficulties still persist in accessing treatment and support. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain, and there is currently no cure.
The event hence was a crucial opportunity to hear first hand from the charity and those living with Parkinson’s such as Colin (pictured), about the vital improvements needed to ensure those affected are better supported.
Dr Hudson had the chance to hear more about Parkinson’s Connect, a tool that enables to those newly diagnosed with the condition to be immediately referred to support services from Parkinson’s UK. Increased uptake by hospitals would therefore reduce the difficulty that those diagnosed with Parkinson’s can face in finding timely support at a time when it is most needed.
Following the event, Dr Hudson said:
"My thanks go out to Parkinson’s UK for reminding us that there are still too many barriers to care and support facing those living with Parkinson’s in Epping Forest and across the country."
"From ensuring care is available to providing timely support for those with Parkinson’s emotionally and financially, there is still so much more we need to be doing."
"I hope this World Parkinson’s Day drives desperately needed change to help better tackle this challenging and debilitating condition."
World Parkinson’s Day takes place on 11 April, raising awareness and ensuring that people with Parkinson’s feel seen, heard, and supported. Parkinson’s UK is the charity that’s here to support every Parkinson’s journey, every step of the way. For information and support, visit parkinsons.org.uk or call the charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303.
[Photo 1 L to R: Dr Neil Hudson MP with Colin Wells, Parkinson's UK advocate and someone who lives Parkinson's Disease]
